Table of Contents
- 1 Central connection between Paulsstadt and Feldstadt
- 2 Restrictions for residents and train passengers
- 3 Business people in the Schlosspark Center breathe a sigh of relief
- 4 Original traffic regulations apply again
- 5 The city is already considering the next bridge measures
- 6 **Looking ahead, what steps will the city take to ensure continued public engagement and transparency as it plans and executes future infrastructure projects like bridge renovations?**
Traffic department head Bernd Nottebaum (CDU) personally led through the program. “The construction project was so expensive that we couldn’t afford a moderator,” said Nottebaum with a wink. The new construction of the Wallstrasse Bridge with all the trimmings cost around 34 million euros. The bridge was opened to traffic on Friday – for the second time.
Central connection between Paulsstadt and Feldstadt
The new Wallstrasse Bridge was ceremoniously inaugurated in spring 2023 after a construction period of almost two years. In order to lay a 30 meter long concrete channel for sewage, rainwater and gas pipes under the tracks, the bridge had to be closed again from February this year.
The accessible concrete channel under the track bed is around two meters high, two meters wide and 30 meters long. (Photo: Christian Koepke)
“The Wallstraße Bridge is a central transport connection between Paulsstadt and Feldstadt,” emphasized Mayor Rico Badenschier (SPD) when it was approved. The new bridge will meet modern safety and infrastructure requirements and the city will be prepared for future challenges.
Restrictions for residents and train passengers
“It is a special occasion to celebrate the opening to traffic,” said Frank Haberlandt from DB InfraGO AG. During the construction of the bridge and media canal, there were restrictions for residents and also for rail passengers. According to Haberlandt, we are all the more pleased that the project has now been completed.
Björn Bick, managing director of the construction company Matthäi from Leezen, poured a little water into the wine and, in his words of thanks, reported on outstanding questions regarding the contractual acceptance, which should be clarified at a meeting in the town hall on Monday.
Business people in the Schlosspark Center breathe a sigh of relief
In the Wallstrasse construction area, the roadway was completely renewed and all adjacent sidewalks were repaired. Crossing aids for pedestrians were created on Fritz-Reuter-Straße and at the entrance to the commercial area at Platz der OdF in order to increase safety, especially for students and people with disabilities.
The new construction of the Wallstrasse Bridge cost a total of around 34 million euros, including the media channel. (Photo: City of Schwerin)
The extensive diversions that were in place during construction are now history. Breathe a sigh of relief, especially in the Schlosspark Center. Center manager Klaus-Peter Regler joked that the new construction of the Wallstrasse bridge, including the media channel, took a total of three and a half years to complete even faster than the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Tower Bridge in London, which took four and a half and eight years respectively . “Nevertheless, the construction work on our doorstep was still getting on our nerves.”
Original traffic regulations apply again
“Wallstrasse is now accessible to all vehicles again and access to the Schlosspark Center is possible,” the city announced. The exit from the Schlosspark-Center car park onto Reiferbahn is only permitted to the left in the direction of Wallstrasse. “Vehicles can no longer enter Voßstrasse at the OdF square,” said the city. The one-way street on Voßstrasse will be reversed, Fritz-Reuter-Strasse will no longer be a one-way street.
Necessary marking work on the Reiferbahn and on the OdF square should take place next week. This also affects the traffic control at the Reiferbahn exit onto Wittenburger Straße. Until then, according to the city, it is still possible to turn left onto Wittenburger Straße and further onto Fritz-Reuter-Straße. Road users are asked to pay increased attention due to the numerous adjustments.
The city is already considering the next bridge measures
The city administration is already planning the next bridge measures. This will continue next year on Franz-Mehring-Strasse and the bridges on Lomonossowstrasse and Knaudtstrasse will also be repaired. The bridge is being rebuilt on Mittelstelle Street in Görries. Planning should also begin for the bridge in Güstrower Straße over the Werder Canal and the bridge in Medewege over the Aubach.
**Looking ahead, what steps will the city take to ensure continued public engagement and transparency as it plans and executes future infrastructure projects like bridge renovations?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Wallstrasse Bridge Reopening
**Guests:**
* **Frank Haberlandt:** DB InfraGO AG, representative involved in the Wallstrasse bridge construction.
* **Klaus-Peter Regler:** Center Manager, Schlosspark Center, directly impacted by the bridge construction and diversions.
**Interviewer:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the reopening of the Wallstrasse Bridge in Schwerin after a lengthy construction period. Let’s delve into the impact of this project on the city and its residents.
**Section 1: The Bridge Project:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Haberlandt, the Wallstrasse Bridge project was undeniably a significant undertaking, costing around €34 million. Can you elaborate on what necessitated such extensive work and why this particular bridge was a priority?
**Mr. Haberlandt:** (Elaborates on the reasons behind the reconstruction, focusing on aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and the need to accommodate modern traffic demands.)
**Interviewer:** Mr. Regler, the Schlosspark Center is located in close proximity to the bridge site. Could you share your experience regarding the construction phase and the challenges it presented for the center and its visitors?
**Mr. Regler:** (Describes the impact of diversions, potential loss of business, and adjustments made to accommodate the situation. )
**Section 2: Balancing Development & Accessibility:**
**Interviewer:** The article mentioned improvements to pedestrian crossings and sidewalks as part of the project. Mr. Haberlandt, how important was it to integrate these accessibility features during the bridge reconstruction?
**Mr. Haberlandt:** (Discusses prioritization of pedestrian safety, inclusivity, and complying with accessibility regulations during the construction.)
**Interviewer:** Mr. Regler, from your perspective as a business owner, what is your view on balancing infrastructure development with accessibility considerations?
**Mr. Regler:** (Offers insights on the importance of accessibility for customers and the benefits of inclusive design for businesses and the community.)
**Section 3: Lessons Learned and Future Projects:**
**Interviewer:** This bridge project faced some unforeseen challenges, including delays and contractual disputes. Mr. Bick, how did these challenges shape the construction process and what lessons were learned for future projects?
**Mr. Bick:** (Provides a perspective on the complexities of large-scale construction projects, the importance of clear communication, and the need for flexibility in navigating unexpected obstacles.)
**Interviewer:** The city is already planning further bridge renovations. Mr. Haberlandt, what lessons from the Wallstrasse Bridge project will inform these future undertakings?
**Mr. Haberlandt:** (Highlights strategies for improved communication, community engagement, and risk management in upcoming bridge projects.)
**Closing:**
**Interviewer:** A heartfelt thank you to both Mr. Haberlandt and Mr. Regler for providing valuable insights into this essential infrastructure project. As residents and businesses adapt to the improved Wallstrasse Bridge, we can look forward to the continued development and modernization of Schwerin’s infrastructure.
This interview format allows for a nuanced discussion about the Wallstrasse Bridge project, encompassing its technical aspects, economic impact, and social considerations. By incorporating open-ended questions and diverse viewpoints, the interview strives to provide a comprehensive and engaging analysis of this significant event for Schwerin.
